A regional daily business editor who raised thousands of pounds in a charity bike ride is set for a change of gear after moving into PR.

Martin Williams stepped down as business editor at the North Wales Daily Post on Thursday after five years at the paper and a further nine years at Trinity Mirror sister titles in North Wales.

He is leaving the title to take on a role as media and communications manager at Glyndwr University in Wrexham.

On his last day, Daily Post editor Alison Gow tweeted:  “Just said our goodbyes to @DPBusinessWales as his last shift ends. Maybe no one’s irreplaceable, but Martin is the hardest act to follow.”

Martin Williams completes his cycle challenge

The week before leaving the title, he carried out a challenge to cycle across 220 miles across Wales, raising more than £2,500 for Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice in the process.

Martin carried out the epic challenge over three days, cycling around 70 miles each day, to raise funds for the “phenomenal cause” and provided regular updates on Twitter.

He also wrote a farewell piece to the paper after spending three years working on its business desk, after previously working on news and sport.

In it, he writes about the “vibrant and groundbreaking” companies in North Wales and the huge potential in the region.

Said Martin: “I’m proud to have met and written about truly wonderful companies and some inspiring people.

“I know Business Post will go from strength to strength in the coming years, as will the economic and industrial climate of North Wales. Thank you, and goodbye.”

In an earlier article about completing his cycle challenge, he wrote that it was “one of the biggest moments of my life”.

He wrote: “There were a few miles left and I was going to enjoy it. As I trundled to Ty’n y Groes, elated and sore, I held back tears on arriving at Ty Gobaith children‘s hospice.

“A ‘welcome home’ banner. The relief. After all, this was about the cause, not me. One of the biggest moments of my life, shared with people who matter.

“It was special and will stay with me forever, as will the unwavering generosity and support of Daily Post readers. You were with me all the way. Thank you.”

Martin previously carried out a similar challenge 12-years-ago when he and a group of fundraisers cycled from Glasgow to St Kentigern’s Hospice in St Asaph, Denbighshire, raising around £1,500.

Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice in Conwy provide specialist nursing care and support to terminally ill and life-limited children and young people.